Oatlands Golf Club seniors units gets government support but fewer homes wanted

A contentious plan to redevelop part of a western Sydney golf club with hundreds of units for seniors where the Abdallah family had proposed a memorial has taken a step forward.

A contentious plan to redevelop part of Oatlands Golf Club with 193 units for seniors, a double-storey clubhouse, restaurant and cafe has gained momentum after the Sydney Central City Planning Panel approved a step in the proposal process.

The State Government panel has issued a “site compatibility certificate” but advised the developers to refine the development so there were fewer dwellings on 16,000sq m site.

The apartments would be housed over five blocks between three and six storeys.

The bold plans sparked outrage after the club rejected the Abdallah family’s proposal to build a small memorial on the golf course where their children Antony, Angelina, Sienna and their cousin Veronique Sakr died at the hands of drunk driver Samuel Davidson two years ago.

After failed discussions, the family has moved on and is now negotiating with Parramatta Council about a memorial garden.

But there is still strong community opposition to the development, mainly over more congestion to clogged streets.

Most Oatlands residents oppose development in their suburb.

A News Corp poll shows 81 per cent of readers objected to plans, which flout the council’s

updated local environment plan guidelines that restrict dual occupancy in Oatlands.

Rules stipulates the golf course site is also to be used for recreation.

Despite the council not ultimately determining the project, Labor councillor and Labor resident Pierre Esber called on the golf club to halt plans.

“The chances of that are very slim but we have to keep trying on behalf of residents,’’ he said.

“They’re very disappointed in the government and they felt their concerns weren’t taken very seriously.

“They feel they’re being laughed at.

“I don’t feel the infrastructure is there to cope.’’

The panel made its ruling that the site was suitable for “intensive development’’ after reviewing submissions from the council, the Planning and Environment Department and the club.

Despite its unanimous decision, it ordered the club to reduce the bulk and scale and reconsider urban design so it was “responsive to the neighbourhood character’’.

“Other matters to be considered relate to heritage, deep soil and investigation relating to potential contamination,’’ the outcome stated.

Units will be built on the club’s site despite it only being zoned for recreation.

The next step is for the club to prepare a development application to lodge with the council for assessment.

Oatlands resident Dylan Falecki slammed the plans when they were revealed in November but conceded some residents supported the project.

“Not everybody doesn’t want it,’’ he said.

“What can you do, march on state parliament when there’s a war going on?

The seniors units will be built over five blocks.

“There’s not much we can do really. Everyone signed petitions and put out signs in front of their houses but you can’t stop progress and all the planning laws and regulations are there for a reason.’’

He welcomed the panel’s recommendation for the club to “meet in the middle and not go the full scale’’.

The golf club was contacted for comment.

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Originally published as Oatlands Golf Club seniors units gets government support but fewer homes wanted